BACKGROUND ON THE BIBLE
Proof of the Bible
One of the easiest things in the world to do is prove that the Bible is true and it contains inspired writings that are not of human origin (2 Peter 1:20-21). Here are ten facts about the Bible.
Fact one: Geological records show very clearly that there was indeed a water deluge - a flood. Almost every ancient culture mentions the flood in its history. The accounts of this flood are very similar to that in God’s word.
Fact two: What does God's word say about Noah and the world-wide flood? Jesus mentioned it as a fact (Matt. 24:37-39). Both the ark and Noah are mentioned as true historical facts by the Apostle Paul in Hebrews 11:7. Paul was a learned man - a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee. Notice, there are other Scriptures mentioning the flood (2 Peter 2:5; Luke 6:48). The Apostle Peter said that only Noah and seven others were spared when God brought a flood upon the world. King David also talked about the flood (Psalm 29:10). Either Genesis 7:20-24 is correct, or the whole world is in trouble. God spoke to Isaiah the prophet about the flood of Noah that covered the earth (Is. 54:9). Noah is mentioned in Ezekiel as a historical person. Noah existed after the flood that destroyed the entire world and all life that was on the face of the earth. Why would God have Noah collect certain animals and birds if it was only going to be a local flood?
Fact three: Adam is referred to as a historical person by Jesus' brother Jude, the Apostle Paul, and by Job (Jude 14; 1 Tim. 2:13-14; 1 Cor. 15:22, 45; Rom. 5:14; Job 31:33; Hosea 6:7). Melchizedek was mentioned as a true historical character in Genesis 14:18 and again by the Apostle Paul in Hebrews 7:1. Abel and Enoch were mentioned in the book of Hebrews as real people (Hebrews 11:4-5). Are these great men of the Bible wrong?
Fact four: The genealogical records found in God’s word are intricately accurate. This is one way that the Bible can easily be proven to be accurate. The first genealogical records given are found beginning in Genesis 4:16, where the children of Cain are recorded. Next, the generations of Adam are recorded, followed by the records of the generations of Shem, Ham and Japheth, Noah’s sons (Gen. 10:1-32). More records of the generations of Shem are found in Genesis 11:10-32. The book of Chronicles contains more records of genealogies of Adam, Seth and Enoch, spelled "Enosh" (1 Chronicles, chapters 1-5). The two books of the Chronicles, then, are not only the genealogy of people, but also of secular ancient history which can be proven.
Fact five: Another genealogical record is found in Matthew 1:1-17. This record, together with many other Scriptures, proves that the Messiah who was prophesied to come in the Old Testament was Jesus Christ, the son of Mary (Is. 7:14-16; 9:6; Luke 1:26-35). These Scriptures alone should be proof enough for the skeptical and uninformed.
Fact six: The throne of England contains records that show it is the throne of King David. Records can also be found in France connecting many of those kings to the genealogical records found in God’s holy, sacred and perfected word.
Fact seven: Many books available in Bible book stores prove that the Bible, which came from the Jewish nation, is true. Halley’s Bible Handbook by Henry H. Halley and The Bible as History by Werner Keller use ancient archaeology to prove the Bible true, and should be on everyone’s book shelf.
Fact eight: God, in His infinite wisdom, gave man all kinds of ways to prove the Bible. Joshua’s long day, where God stopped the sun for approximately 24 hours, is proof of the Bible (Josh. 10:12-13). Many ancient cultures record in their histories a time when the world was dark for a day, stayed light for a day, when the sun set for a day or rose in the east and stayed there for about a day.
Fact nine: The Ten Commandments that were written by the Lord on stone, Aaron’s rod that budded, and a jar containing the manna (bread from heaven) were placed in the Ark were constant reminders to the Israelites that these miracles did happen anciently.
Fact ten: The birth of King Cyrus was prophesied by the Lord over one hundred years before he was born. God did this to show mankind that He is God, and there is none like He is. The Lord not only prophesied King Cyrus’ future existence, but also told in great detail what the King would accomplish on the Lord’s behalf during his lifetime. King Cyrus was not a fictional character. His tomb is in the Middle East to this day. Some of the accounts are found in: Isaiah 44:26, 28; 45:1-7, 11, 13-14; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-3 and Daniel 10:1.
What is the Bible?
The Bible is a spiritual book written by the Spirit of God through men (2 Peter 1:20-21). The Bible is the living word of God. We are to live by every word of the Bible (Matt. 4:4). It is a book telling us how to obtain eternal life. It contains the answers to all the mysteries of life. The Bible contains the directions on how to enter the kingdom of God and be converted (Matt. 5:20; 7:21).
To best understand what the Bible is, let us first consider what the Bible is not. The Bible is not an ancient collection of myths or stories. The Bible is not something to put on your coffee table with pressed flowers or a four-leaf clover in it. The Bible is not a book to be ignored, because we will all be judged by the words that are in it (John 12:47-50).
The Bible is, however, a book of spiritual writings written by the Spirit of God through men (2 Peter 1:20-21). The Bible is the living word of God. We are to live by every word of the Bible (Matt. 4:4). It is a book telling us how to obtain eternal life. It contains the answers to all the mysteries of life. The Bible contains the directions on how to enter the kingdom of God and be converted (Matt. 5:20; 7:21).
The Bible tells of all the blessings we will receive for obeying it and all the curses we will receive for ignoring it. The Bible tells us what we are and what to do about it. The Bible tells us how we can please God and what God will do for us when we please Him. If we ignore God’s word by not studying it daily, we are ignoring God.
God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, in the weakness of the flesh to show us how easy it is to please the Father and to be rewarded with the free gift of eternal life. Jesus was the living word of God, which means He lived by the words of God. We are to live by every word of God so we can be living words of God also.
The Bible tells us not to be foolish, but understand what God wants us to do, and then do it (Ephesians. 5:17)! Jesus said His Way is very easy and pleasant, and some of us will do greater works than He did (Matt. 11:30; John 14:12). The Bible says we are foolish if we think works are not necessary for repentance (James 2:20; Acts 26:20).
We must study God’s word to show that we love God (2 Tim. 2:15). We need to engage in acts of righteousness for repentance (Titus 2:7; 3:8). Remember, if the righteous are saved with difficulty, what will happen to the person who continues to live to the flesh and not to the Spirit, which is God (1 Peter 4:18; Rom. 8:13)?
Only those who seek God by pleasing Him will find Him. Start today and it will not be long until you are on your way. Be a godly example to others for God and be ready at all times to explain the truth to them.